Team

About Vitus

Vitus brings more than 25 years of experience to SVPA’s leadership team. He has provided creative, flexible and dynamic design solutions on wide variety of project types, and has proven success in delivering projects on time and within budget. His direct and personal commitment to guiding the design process though all phases of design and construction has nurtured long-term client relationships and has contributed to SVPA’s steady business success. Vitus is committed to a client-focused teamwork approach that always keeps the big picture design drivers in focus.

Vitus has extensive experience in planning and design for educational environments. From early childhood centers, to K-12 schools, to higher education facilities, Vitus is passionate about bringing life to learning spaces. He also has a wealth of knowledge in athletic, recreation, wellness and healthcare design. Vitus’ sharp eye for detail benefits all aspects of his work – helping guide the firm’s day-to-day business operations, creating strategic plans and working one-on-one with clients.

When did you know you wanted to be an architect?

“Math and science were my strengths in school. During my first year of college I started out at the University of Rochester on an engineering path. The first semester I also enrolled in an art class and the second semester I took a sculpture class. My adviser at the time said you can’t keep taking these art electives and expect to get through all of your engineering course requirements on time. I transferred to the University of Colorado and in my second year realized that architecture would be a great balance between my math and science strengths and an interest in the arts.”

What is one of your favorite quotes/sayings and why?

“Happiness is the meaning of life, by my dad Frank Bering. Many good memories and good words to live by.”

Joined SVPA Architects

May 1998; became a stockholder in 2001; became a Vice President in 2004; became President in 2015

Education

University of Colorado, Master of Architecture, 1995

University of Colorado, Bachelor of Environmental Design, 1992

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member

Des Moines Business Record “Forty Under 40,” 2005

AIA Iowa, Past Member, Public Relations Committee

Iowa Architectural Foundation, Past Member, Architecture in the Schools Committee

Registrations

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Certificate Holder

Licensed Architect in Iowa, Florida & Kansas

Community Involvement

Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute – Transformational Leadership Program

Iowa Park & Recreation Association, Member

I have a Dream Foundation, Mentor / Supporter

Notable Project Experience

• Ankeny Community School District
  • Northview Middle School
  • Athletic Complex
• B.E. Smith Family Center, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Merriam, KS
• Drake University, Collier-Scripps Hall, Des Moines, IA
• Iowa City Community School District
  • Liberty High School, North Liberty, IA
  • Northwest Junior High School, Coralville, IA
  • North Central Junior High School, North Liberty, IA
• Keokuk Community School District
  • High School Renovation
  • Facilities Assessment & Master Plan
  • Hawthorne Elementary Addition
  • Washington Elementary Renovation
  • Performing Arts Addition
• Pella Corporation, Various Projects, Pella, IA
• Washington Community School District
  • High School
  • Auditorium Addition
  • Early Childhood Center Addition
  • Facilities Assessment & Master Plan
  • Lincoln Elementary School
  • Middle School Bond Referendum
• The Waldinger Corporation Headquarters, Des Moines, IA
• Vermeer Manufacturing, Various Projects, Pella, IA
• Washington County YMCA
• Waukee Family YMCA, Waukee, IA
• Wolfe Eye Clinics: West Des Moines, Iowa City & Hiawatha, IA